Hi there, my name is Dylann Ray and I am a biracial queer person living with disability in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Mutual Aid is a core element of my life. If you also live in LC, you might have met or seen me in the last decade at any number of events that I have volunteered at, helped plan, or coordinated to support community well-being. These efforts span a wide range, from harm reduction and HIV prevention to sewing circles to park cleanups and more. As someone who cannot work any job that requires consistent physical presence due to disability, this kind of adaptable pop-up organizing has enabled me to center my efforts on filling in the gaps for community needs when and where I am able.

But also, as someone who cannot work any job that requires consistent (daily) physical presence, I sometimes encounter difficulty meeting my own needs. For the last few years, delivery driving has offered a small cushion for expenses as the gig nature of it allows me to clock in only when I have the capacity for labor without expectation for further availability, and this is not true for most other jobs. However this option has taken a toll on my car that has made this work impossible to continue.

Luckily, I have recently been able to resume work as a yoga instructor, which has been helpful not only for my financial needs but for my own well-being. It does, however, still require reliable transportation to be a sustainable work option for me.

My vehicle currently needs a new radiator and thermostat, after losing all its coolant and overheating in the middle of a delivery shift. The shop it is currently resting in wants $1500 for repairs, but the lowest quote I have been able to find in LC so far would bring my total cost to about $800. I do not aim to have more than I need, so this is the amount I am turning to community supoort in gathering, as I am more unable than ever to cover this expense myself at this time.

In the event that this fundraiser exceeds its goal, all extra funds will contribute to other regular maintenence that will be needed (oil change, brakes, etc.) to keep my transportation reliable.

This fix will allow me to not only continue growing my work in yoga and moving away from delivery driving, but to invest more time and energy in community again.

All that I want to do with my life is help to improve this world for myself and the people around me. If you feel the same, I believe this fundraiser will contribute to that work and I have eternal gratitude for anything you are able to contribute.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Dylann Ray

(he/they)